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Susan "Sue" Charles

August 19, 1954 - March 27, 2025

Prayer Service

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Starting at 3:00 PM

Locke at Tower Park

4140 Kimball Ave.,
Waterloo, IA 50701

Celebration of Life

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Locke at Tower Park

4140 Kimball Ave,
Waterloo, IA 50701

Memorials

University of Iowa Cancer Research

UnityPoint Hospice-St. Luke's

Susan M. Charles, 70, of Waterloo, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on March 27, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospice in Cedar Rapids.

Sue was the owner of Pitze's Salon and Merle Norman in Waterloo, where she dedicated over 50 years to her craft as a hairdresser. She cherished her clients and the bonds she formed with them; their time together meant far more to her than just a cut or color.

Sue served on the Cosmetology and Barbers of Iowa Board for many years, holding multiple roles, including president. A devoted educator and expert in Iowa cosmetology law, she taught the subject and was twice named Educator of the Year.

Our darling Sue left this world as a sister, an aunt, and a friend to so many. She was known for her creativity, love of pyrotechnics, obsession with lawn care, excitement over the New York Rangers, her knack for whipping up beautiful holiday tablescapes, and her famous breakfasts on camping trips. She was just as spunky and sweet as she was tough, and in our family, she was the glue. We wish we could ask her who has the "boss license," although we assume she took it with her. You will be so missed, Susie.

She is survived by her sisters, Julie Charles of Aurora, CO, and Terri (Greg) Churchill of Marion, IA; her brothers, Fred (Holly) Charles of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Frank Charles of Golden, CO; and her nieces and nephews: Courtney, Tyler, and Connor Charles; Graham(Erin) and Alex Churchill; Madeline and Chloe Rohlf; Nathan and Caryn Charles; and Nicolas and Jessica Charles; and her great-nephew Lincoln Churchill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Charles; her brother, Steven Charles; and her sister, Carol Charles-Rohlf.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Locke Funeral Home at Tower Park in Waterloo on Wednesday, April 2, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, beginning with a prayer service at 3:15 PM. Memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Hospice or the University of Iowa Cancer Research.

Condolences

I’m so sorry! Sue was my hairdresser and my friend who I will dearly miss! Your family formed a strong unit of support which undoubtedly provided a great deal of comfort to Sue. My heartfelt condolences to you all.

Deb Benedict

Our deepest sympathy to Sue's family and friends.

Columbus High School Alumni

I was saddened to see this. I represent over 300 stylists in the North Iowa Cosmetologist Guild. Sue Charles knew Iowa law better than the people who wrote them… she will be greatly missed in this industry. Prayers to her family …

Renee L Kramer

I went to beauty school with Sue. After graduation, I started working at Pitze's. Sue started working there after her graduation. Will miss her.

Diane Harn

She was such an inspiration to me and so many Iowa cosmetologists—her passion, talent, and knowledge left a lasting mark on our industry. She will be deeply missed. Thinking of her family and friends during this difficult time.

Alesha Urich

I am so sorry to see this. I have such fond memories of Sue and the entire Charles family. I know she will be greatly missed. My sympathies and prayers for all.

Jenny Gibbs

I went to Beauty School with Sue and later worked with her at Pitzies Corner Salon... She was always full of laughter and spunk. We would always talk at Continuing Education classes and share each other's stories... RIP Sue.. you were a great lady...

Sueanne Testroet

Sue was a inspiration nor only to myself but many of her peers. Always willing to help me out will teaching a Iowa law con-ed right to the end! Very supportive,I will miss her much!

Michi Rees

Sue was a student of mine at Columbus High School in Waterloo. Always a smile and spunk. Later she was my hairdresser and was always up to the challenge my hair would present. None better!

Karol Erdmann

Love that happy smile…shall always remember her that way…love Sue! She and Pite’s were the go-to place in Loo! Blessings on all the family!!

Etta Miller

Sue styled mine and my Mother’s(Cy Haugen) hair for years. She will be greatly missed! 🫤🥲

Liz Neunsinger

My deepest sympathy to her family. Great Iowa Law Instructor.

Lynette

To Sue’s families and friends. You were always there for me and all . Enjoyed our time together serious when it came to Cosmetology but also such a good sense of humor. Another Angel leaves way too young , keep those other Angels looking their best. Well You sure will be a help straightening our God’s Laws to us down on earth for us , about time He has the Pro on the Command Center. Will never forget you see you at the end of my journey here!

Charlene Melcher

Sue family and friends have my deepest sympathy.Sue was a very caring person in her field.

Mary Clausen

Sue was my hairdresser in recent years. She was great in telling me what style worked for me. Sue was a kind, caring friend. Always enjoyed our visits while she did her magic with my hair. RIP 🙏♥️

Elaine Keating

Sue was my stylist and friend since the early 80's. She never disappointed through all those years. Sending prayers to the family for peace & comfort at this difficult time. Rest in peace, dear friend ❤️

Carol Poppe

I worked with Sue thru our professioonal association...she was a force and i enjoyed my times with her...she will be missed!

Su Wolrab

Sue will be missed so much by all her clients. She was an amazing person and professional. The world won't be the same without her. My prayers and sympathy are with her! entire family

Cathy Young

Sending my condolences to the Charles family. Sue was a rockstar in the cosmetology world. My former husband Jim and I attended beauty school at Pitzes in the late 60’s where we first met Sue and Mary and Bob , wonderful, caring people, you will be missed Sue!!

Linda Bergmann

Great memories of Sue’s lavish camping breakfasts at the lake and her fireworks shows! My condolences to the family.

Lisa Pilch

Prayers of comfort for Sue and her family at this time of sadness. Sue and I were classmates at Columbus and most recently were neighbors in Waterloo. Always a friendly smile and wave.

Judy Blake

Sue, my friend,I will miss our long conversations over CBI and the Law. You were the best. Prayers to your family.

Ruthie Trudo

Sue was my hair stylist for many, many years. I knew I was in great hands. I considered her a friend as well. Prayers to all her family and friends. She will be missed by many. Rest in peace.

Mary Walleser

My sincere condolences for Sue and her family. May Eternal Rest be Upon her, may she rest In Peace. CHS Classmate Paul Schaefer

Paul Schaefer

I first met Sue, and Terri, at Splash years ago. My sister was in Sue’s class at Columbus. Terri and I would be in the same class, and become good friends as well. Sue’s personality was classic. Best hairdresser ever. She helped me with many a hair “crisis”; only myself responsible. Two orange streaks on each side of my head after using Sun-In on dark brown hair; and a self trim gone horribly wrong. “Kathy, please just call me if you’re even thinking about doing anything yourself again!” SO incredibly sweet and patient! My sincere condolences to the entire Charles family for such a great loss.

Kathy Faucher

Sue was my hairdresser for many years, starting at Pitzie's downtown Waterloo. Sue was the "real deal", and the most authentic person I have ever known. Blessings to the family, Audrey.

Audrey Adams-Sorge

Sue cut, colored, and styled my hair for almost 30 years. She was the best! She will be missed in more ways than one...so enjoyed talking politics, state law, and personal antidotes with her. Gone too soon! Jeanette and my condolences to the family. She often spoke fondly of you all and your amazing support ❤️

Ollie Peterson and Jeanette Marsh

Sue was my friend and hairdresser for over 30 years. My condolences to her family. I will miss her.

Denny McCabe

Our sympathies to the family. Sue was a smart and strong woman. Her wit always made us laugh. We enjoyed our talks about beauty schools and IA law over the years. Our mother, Kathryn Young, always said Sue had the gift of gab and knew her law. If she didn’t know the answer she would find it! We will miss her as a neighbor too.

Kim Kalkhoff & Kathy Stephens

I am so sorry for your loss. Sue was a kind and gentle person and the world's light has dimmed with her passing.

Therese Carlon

To all Sue's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sue was my hairdresser for over 40 years and I knew her before that at Columbus. I will miss all the talks we had while getting my hair done! I think we covered every topic under the sun, but our conversations always came back to family and friends. Will miss her always, but I know she is just "over there". I'll see her again one day. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be with you to celebrate her life, but will be there in spirit. Maureen Nicol Beckman

Maureen Beckman

I remember my mother going to Pitze's when i was a 'kid'....place to go for ladies hair for sure. Condolences.

Bob Diers (Genevieve Diers)

Sue will certainly be missed. Our deepest Sympathy to Family and Friends.

Mary Ann Demuth

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